Messi Struggles in MLS Opener
Lionel Messi struggled in his MLS season opener, sparking debate about whether his current club form could impact his hopes for another World Cup run. The performance has raised questions about the 39-year-old's ability to maintain elite standards across multiple competitions.
- Inter Miami lost the season opener to Los Angeles FC 3-0, with Messi playing the full 90 minutes. The defeat marked the first time in 14 matches across all competitions that an Inter Miami side with Messi was held scoreless. - Statistically, LAFC generated a significantly higher expected goals (xG) rate of 3.5 compared to Inter Miami's 0.9. The match was played in front of 75,673 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the largest attendance for an MLS opening-weekend game. - The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team format, culminating in a final on July 19, 2026. Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, has stated his participation depends on his physical condition, which he will assess "day-by-day". - The Argentine Football Association has already selected Kansas City to serve as the national team's base during the 2026 World Cup. - Coming into the 2026 season, Messi was the reigning two-time MLS MVP and had won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals in the regular season. - Messi has a contract with Inter Miami that runs through the 2028 MLS season, following an extension he signed in October 2025. - As a child, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at age 11 and required daily injections to aid his physical development.
